Dunlop enhances its sales team

GREENVILLE, SC — Dunlop announced today that John Byron, Sheri Norris and Chris Watase have joined the company’s sales force, reporting to Western Regional Manager Steve Schultz. With the appointments, Dunlop bolsters its service and coverage to the pro and specialty shop channels in the Midwest, Southwest and West.

John Byron, a Sales Representative since 1981 and fixture in the tennis community in the Southwest, will handle the Arizona and New Mexico territory for Dunlop. Byron most recently served as a Sales Rep with Head. In addition to continuing his own playing career, John also coaches at the Scottsdale Ranch Park and is the proud father of two tennis-playing daughters.

Sheri Norris, who will cover Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma, arrives with an impressive resume of accomplishments on the court and in the tennis industry.

An All-American while playing collegiately at Arizona State, Norris played on the pro tour before starting her career in the tennis industry. A TIA Industry Rep of the Year, Sheri has sales experience with Head/Penn, Balle de Match, Gamma, and Fila Sports. She also has retail experience with Golfsmith International, where she was responsible for local marketing and promotional strategies.

Chris Watase, a UCLA graduate and industry veteran of more than 20 years, will handle the Southern California territory, excluding San Diego. Watase joins Dunlop after serving as a Territory Manager for both Yonex and Prince. Chris has an extensive playing background and has also worked on the retail side at the West End Racquet Club in Torrance, CA.

“The partnerships John, Sheri and Chris have developed with key retailers in their territories will be invaluable as we launch Dunlop’s Aerogel 4D technology this year,” said Schultz. “All three will provide their accounts with a superior level of attention and service.”

Kai Nitsche, Dunlop’s General Manager of Racquet Sports, said, “With the challenging set of economic conditions, it’s of vital importance that we step up our level of service with retailers. John, Sheri and Chris help us do just that. We’re all looking forward to having them on the team.”